Hog prices remained steady with slight fluctuations across major markets. In Ontario, the 100 percent base formula price closed at 233.92 per hundredweight, up from the previous year’s 200.35 per hundredweight. The average dressed weight remained stable at 109 kilograms, while total market hog sales reached 126,271 head, reflecting a 3 percent increase compared to last year.
In Canada, total hog slaughter across federal and provincial plants reached 451,832 head, marking an 8 percent increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, the Quebec pool price dropped to 215.32 per hundredweight, and the Manitoba hog value increased slightly to 240.44 per hundredweight. The Canadian dollar remained weak at 0.6950 US dollars, impacting overall export competitiveness.
In the U.S., federally inspected hog slaughter was estimated at 2.515 million head, a 2 percent increase from last year. Sow slaughter saw a decline, down 9.2 percent year-over-year, signaling potential shifts in herd size. Early-weaned pig prices continued to soften, dropping to 55.70 per pig, while 40-pound feeder pig prices averaged 106.18 per pig.
Futures markets remained mixed, with April lean hogs closing at 86.63 per hundredweight and June contracts at 96.30 per hundredweight. The USDA pork cutout value softened slightly to 97.01 per hundredweight, reflecting cautious market sentiment.
Feed prices continued to trend lower, with corn prices settling at 4.58 per bushel and soybean meal at 489.32 per tonne.
Market outlook suggests that stronger slaughter numbers indicate stable demand, though softer piglet prices and continued feed cost adjustments highlight cautious producer sentiment. The industry remains watchful of export dynamics and domestic consumption trends as the year progresses.
